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Whatcom Humane Society seeking donations

Nonprofit's pet food bank needs help

Donated cat food sits on a shelf at the Whatcom Humane Society on Aug. 26. The organization's pet food bank is running low and seeking donations from the community.
Donated cat food sits on a shelf at the Whatcom Humane Society on Aug. 26. The organization's pet food bank is running low and seeking donations from the community. (Caroline Brooks/Cascadia Daily News)
By Caroline Brooks Staff Reporter

In addition to providing shelter for furry friends, the Whatcom Humane Society also operates a pet food bank program for those in need. 

Now, the organization is asking for help from the community.

On Aug. 19, the nonprofit used social media as a call to action, asking for help on its Facebook page, as the bank is running low on food and is seeking an influx of donations.

“Our pet food program is seeing a significant increase in use and the need to support this important community program is high,” the post stated. “As such, our food bank shelves are pretty empty and depleted these days. Sad.” 

The program, which operates entirely from donations, is meant for pet owners seeking temporary assistance, as recipients are allowed to use the food bank once every 30 days. A person must provide photo identification with a full name and address, and then explain how many animals they have and what they’re looking for.  

The food bank primarily caters to dogs and cats, but will happily accept donations for smaller animals, such as rabbits or birds. 

“If we can offer pet food to somebody who’s struggling and allow that animal to stay in their home, it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Laura Clark, Whatcom Humane Society’s executive director.  

photo  A shelf with wet dog food sits half full at the Whatcom Humane Society on Aug. 26. (Caroline Brooks/Cascadia Daily News)  

Clark said the food bank program receives a lot of community support, including from several local pet supply stores that make regular donations.  

“But the demand has been high over the past few months,” Clark said, “We’re seeing an increase in people coming in needing assistance for their animals.” 


Clark said they are used to putting out a community plea about once every few months in the hopes of getting increased donations, but have recently been having to ask about every other week. 

“I think it’s a sign of the times,” Clark said, “People are really struggling with the cost of everything going up.” 

An influx of donations is good not only for the Whatcom Humane Society but for the community at large. Clark explained that when they get an abundance of donations, some get sent to nearby food banks, community centers and more rural neighborhoods that might not be able to make it to the humane society. 

Donations have increased since the Facebook post. 

“People are having hard times,” Clark said. “We need help helping them.” 

Donations for the pet food bank can be dropped off at the Whatcom Humane Society shelter at 2172 Division St., from 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Donations can also be purchased through its Amazon wish list and shipped directly to the shelter. 

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